Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba: Quito's Ancient Stone Plain

4.6 (1982)

Discover ancient civilizations amidst the natural beauty of Quito at Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, an open-air museum with ruins dating back millennia.

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Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba

Explore the fascinating Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba in Quito, Ecuador, an open-air museum showcasing the remains of civilizations dating back to 1500 BCE. Wander through the ruins, reconstructed dwellings, and lush landscapes of this important pre-Columbian site, offering a unique glimpse into Ecuador's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba

Nuño de Valderrama s/n, Quito, Rumipamba, 170147, EC
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Wednesday 6 am-4 pm
Thursday 6 am-4 pm
Friday 6 am-4 pm
Saturday 6 am-4 pm
Sunday 6 am-4 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba.

Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the park is expansive and requires some walking on gravel trails.
Bring a camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and ancient structures.
Check the weather forecast and bring a light jacket, as it can get chilly in the mornings.
Consider joining a guided tour for deeper insights into the history and significance of the site.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Quito's city center, take a bus towards the Rumipamba neighborhood. Bus routes are frequent and a single fare costs $0.25. Check the bus destination list posted on the front window. Upon arriving in Rumipamba, a short walk will lead you to the park entrance.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Quito. A taxi ride from the city center to Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba typically costs between $6 and $8 and takes approximately 8 minutes. Ensure the driver uses the taximeter, which should start at a base fare of $0.50. Note that fares might be higher during holidays or nighttime.
Car

If driving, take the E28 highway towards Quito. Follow the signs to the Rumipamba neighborhood, where the park is located at Nuño de Valderrama s/n. Parking is available near the entrance and may incur a small fee of around $1-2.

Discover more about Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba

Parque Arqueológico Rumipamba, whose name translates from Quechua to 'stone plain,' is an unmissable archaeological site located in the heart of Quito, Ecuador. This 32-hectare park offers a captivating journey into the region's ancestral history, inviting visitors to explore remnants of ancient civilizations that thrived here from 1500 BCE to 1500 CE.In 1990, the land was set to become apartments, but a construction worker's discovery of human remains shifted those plans. Excavations led by archaeologist Alfredo Santamaría revealed graves, pottery, and tools from multiple civilizations, leading to the site's declaration as a local heritage site and its opening as an open-air museum in 2001.Today, walking trails connect covered excavation sites where ongoing research sheds light on the volcanic eruptions that forced ancient tribes to relocate. Reconstructed huts made of wood, adobe, and thatch offer a glimpse into the living conditions of the past. An interpretive display allows children to engage in a simulated archaeological dig. Informative plaques detail the history and significance of the site.Rumipamba also serves as an ecological park, with native vegetation providing habitats for diverse bird species. The park's elevated location offers panoramic views of north and central Quito. The on-site archaeological museum displays artifacts and provides deeper insights into the region's history.